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Another fireworks-related death. I read an article about the Maine ADULT, who decided to launch a firework device from his head. A second fatality was the result of another ADULT launching a device from his chest.

The media interviewed the first (Maine) adult’s mother. She suggested the state conduct safety classes prior to anyone purchasing fireworks. Such as they conduct hunter safety classes.

Let’s see you have two ADULTS who decided to launch firework devices from their respective body parts. The mixture of a lot of alcohol and explosives does not equal a positive outcome!

They need to have a little caricature, on each firework, with a firework device on their head with a line going through it (Danger, do not do this.). Also, add a line, “Launching fireworks from a body part may be detrimental to your health.”

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So they caught the suspected mass killer, Dylan Storm Roof. Congratulations to law enforcement for catching this inadequate individual! This person obviously was taught to hate because we are not born with the trait. That’s enough about hate. We ALL know it exists.

What I want to talk about is this: Attention. The media outlets are already all over this horrible incident and have been before they knew the whole story; repeating the same thing over-and-over again. It’s what this inadequate individual craves. He even went so far as to leave a witness alive to tell the world; to make sure we know his crime was racially motivated. It NEVER ceases to amaze me that humans find it acceptable to kill other humans because they’re different, race, religion, gay, transgender, etc. The list goes on and on! We’re all human, right?

In the upcoming court case, there’s no doubt he will use it as a platform to spread additional hate and garner attention. Let’s not allow this to occur. They shouldn’t speak his name. They shouldn’t televise his trial. They shouldn’t post his photo. In a perfect world, this would occur, but we know it won’t.

Instead, let’s remember the innocent victims. The five-year-old child that was forced to “play dead” by her grandmother, so she would survive and by the grace of God, she did! Let’s pray for the victims who survived. Let’s pray for the families. It’s what’s important!

Thanks for listening.

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I’ve wanted to start a non-profit for years now. Sometimes the drive is strong; other times it’s not. However, it never goes away. You know what I mean. It’s always in the back of your mind. Someone once told me: “When an idea never leaves your mind; is always there somewhere. Maybe it’s God trying to tell you something.” Well, it’s time to do something!

I know nothing about starting a non-profit, but I can learn, so the research begins. Money seems to be… the most important obstacle. Wish one of those billionaires out there would give me a couple of a hundred million dollars!

Guess I should share my idea with everyone. The non-profit would be called, “I Have Your Back.” It would be a series of buildings; one housing a child advocacy center similar to the one in Dallas, Texas; one would house an after-school tutoring center. One would house an area that loads backpacks every weekend for children who are experiencing food emergencies (Blessings in a Backpack). We all know by now that children who are hungry cannot properly learn.

Also included in the non-profit would be an area for recycling, animal rights, bullying, etc. I would have a wildlife education center (already have an idea for an area).

Lastly, a child safety center that; well, uses a “holistic” approach to safety. We’re not talking about the standard “stranger danger” teachings, but a more common sense approach that includes everything from personal to internet safety. I envision about five to six acres, which does not include the wildlife education center. I know it sounds crazy, but one can dream, right?

Thanks for listening. I feel better now that I’ve gotten it off my chest (lol).

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I had the pleasure, on the east coast, of working for a department that practiced Community Based Policing. I laugh when politicians come up with these programs/buzz words. Some departments have been doing this for years. They ONLY stopped when the same politicians (both parties, so don’t even try to place blame) decided to cut funding to fire/EMS/law enforcement and education. In reference to the latter; I hate when they play Russian roulette with our children’s lives.

You have citizens complaining of paying additional taxes; politicians cutting vital services, but protecting their interests (had to believe). The media is constantly inciting anything that will raise their ratings. When crime rates start to rise, the juggling of statistics begins. A recipe for disaster!

Fire/EMS/law enforcement departments should get to know their respective communities. I remember visiting fire stations and talking to police officers who were on their walking beats. Knowing the people in your communities, whether it be an affluent or low-income area, is vital to our society as a whole. Children and adults need to see their city/state/county employees have their backs. That not ALL law enforcement officers are disrespectful; not all politicians are out for their own interests, etc.

It’s amazing to see when you get out into communities that the MAJORITY of citizens are law-abiding and hard-working. They want the best for their families. The same as anyone else, anywhere! So don’t be so quick to listen to different media outlets. Do some research before taking any action.

Do I feel some things need to change in this country? Of course, I do! Let’s get out and vote. That’s the place to start, or should I say, get the ball rolling.

Just read an article in regards to a U.S. Department of Justice’s investigation of Missoula County, Montana. The focus of the investigation: Missoula County Attorney Fred Van Valkenburg’s prosecutors routinely discriminated against sexual assault victims. Also, prosecutors refused legitimate cases, pushed sex crimes to the lowest of priorities, and belittled women who came to them for help. Sex crimes cases rarely made it to the courthouse because they are a low priority to county prosecutors.

Jocelyn Samuels, acting assistant Attorney General for the Civil Right Division, said: “We uncovered evidence of a disturbing pattern of deficiencies in the handling of these cases by the County Attorney’s Office. This pattern not only denies victims meaningful access to justice, but places the safety of all women in Missoula at risk.”

Missoula County Attorney Fred Van Valkenburg has angrily denied claims in a report that prosecutors routinely discriminated against sex attack victims. According to a mother of a 5-year-old rape victim, a prosecutor allegedly left her horrified when he attempted to explain the attack by saying, “boys-will-be-boys.” The mother wanted to know why the boy who raped her daughter was only getting a slap on the wrist.

One woman claimed a prosecutor recited Bible verses to her, and others felt “judged” after extensively grilled about their sexual histories. Another said “she would never suggest” another woman go to prosecutors with a sexual assault case.

Mr.Van Valkenburg denied the allegations and blamed the federal investigators. Stating, “First and foremost, I think this is one of the most unfair, unethical things I have ever witnessed in 35 years in public life. It is impossible to believe these things are true. This is not how the Missoula County Attorney’s Office conducts itself. These are half-truths, mistruths and maybe outright lies.” Spoken like a true politician. Blame everyone else for your situation!

As I was reading this article, it was like; wow, is this 2014 or the 50s/60s? We have made great strides in the way law enforcement and some prosecutors treat sexual assault victims, but Mr. Van Valkenburg and his prosecutors set those strides back thirty years. Regardless of his statements, I believe these allegations to be true.

While reading the article it reminded me of incidents in Ohio, Connecticut and Missouri, where young girls attended underage parties and consumed large quantities of alcohol. The perpetrators paraded several girls around, who were unconscious, in their bras and panties; eventually sexually assaulting them. Law enforcement arrested the perpetrators, which resulted in trials and convictions; however, a significant number of the population supported the perpetrators! It was the “football playing, good-ole-boy, boys-will-be-boys” mindset. I wondered if their opinions would be different if they assaulted and degraded one of their daughters. Victim blaming has to stop, and these out-of-control individuals removed from society. Forgot to mention numerous individuals (both male and female) recorded the incidents on their cellphones, but did not stop the behavior or notify law enforcement of what transpired.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Springfield, Mo., police confirmed the body of Hailey Owens was located inside the home of Craig Michael Wood. Police named Wood, 45, as a suspect in her abduction in an earlier news conference.

On Wednesday morning, Springfield Public School Superintendent Dr. Norm Ridder said the suspect in Owens’ abduction was an employee of Springfield Public Schools. A statement on the school district’s website read in-part:

“The suspect in this case, Craig Michael Wood, was arrested by Springfield Police Department. Wood has been employed by SPS since Aug. 18, 1998. He works as a paraprofessional and athletic coach at Pleasant View K-8 School. His employment has been suspended until this matter is resolved.”

My prayers go out to Hailey, her family and friends. From what I understand, this is the third kidnapping and murder of a child/girl, in as many years, in Southwest Missouri. As we try to wrap ourselves around, or should I say, make sense of this horrific situation; one thing comes to mind. There should be on-going discussions with children in regards to safety.

I understand situations such as the one that occurred in Springfield will, unfortunately, occur again and again somewhere in the United States and the world. The best defense against these predators who perpetrate these horrible crimes against children is safety awareness. Having regular discussions in regards to safety is paramount in combating this evil that walks amongst us in society.

I believe we should have real discussions with children in regards safety. By real discussions, I mean honest discussions and to listen to them; make sure they understand the subject matter.

Explain what occurred in Springfield to your children, but make the explanation age appropriate. Go over safety rules and in my opinion; do not just talk about the rules, but throw in some practical exercises. Wait about a week and revisit the topic to make sure they took in the information.

This is not something that should be done one time. Have regular discussions in regards to safety, which will keep the information fresh in their minds. My daughter is twenty-years-old and a college student. We still have periodic conversations in regards to general safety, sexual predators and active shooters. I forgot to mention using what God gave her which is her brain and using her “sixth sense.” It may not be right all of the time, but it is right most of the time. “Think before you jump” is my favorite line!

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CINCINNATI (AP) — An investigator says children rescued by a sister’s email cry for help to a teacher after they allegedly were beaten and tied to their beds, sometimes for weeks at a time, have been placed in a foster care with “loving people.”

The teacher received an email, and followed through with their responsibility, contacting 911. The subsequent investigation resulted in the children’s removal from the situation and placed in foster care. I speak of responsibility, but it is more about being a decent human-being.

What would be your decision if placed into a situation such as the one described in this article?